Arguments Heard In Challenge To Capitol Repair Plan
Oral arguments held for Capitol repair challenge
BY SEAN MURPHY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A planned $120 million bond issue to repair the nearly 100-year-old state Capitol is not an unconstitutional special law and should be allowed to go forward, attorneys for the state argued Tuesday.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Referee Greg Albert also heard arguments from Oklahoma City attorney Jerry Fent, who claims the bill authorizing the bond issue is unconstitutional because it addressed only one state building.
But Assistant Solicitor General Cara Rodriguez said the bill is a universal general law that applies to a unique building that serves as both the seat of state government and as a symbol of Oklahoma.
“These bonds are valid and should be authorized,” Rodriguez argued.